What is a Defendant?
In civil or criminal law, a defendant is an individual being sued or accused of committing a crime.
According to Black’s Law Dictionary, a defendant is “A person against whom relief or recovery is sought in an action or suit.” As such, in criminal cases, defendants are charged with offenses by the government or state, while in civil cases, they are typically sued by plaintiffs seeking compensation or other legal remedies. The role of a defendant is to defend themselves against the accusations brought forth by the prosecution or plaintiff. For example, in insurance law, a defendant would be the person who caused an injury, such as hurting someone in a car accident, along with their insurance company.
In legal contexts, defendants enjoy certain rights, such as the right to a fair trial, the right to legal representation, and the right to present a defense. These rights ensure that the legal process remains just and balanced. For instance, in criminal cases, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This presumption places the burden of proof on the prosecution to demonstrate the defendant’s guilt.
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What is Summary Judgment?
Understanding motions for summary judgment…and how to win them
If you sued a defendant for your injuries or other damages, then you can expect certain legal responses and defenses. While every case is unique, some stages of litigation come up in nearly every lawsuit. Summary judgment is one of those phases. Understanding what summary judgment is and how handle it is key to winning big in your case. As a result, our experienced trial lawyers define summary judgment and provide a guide to using this legal step to maximize your compensation payout.
To discuss the details of your lawsuit for FREE, schedule a consultation with an award-winning Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys litigator today.
Motions for summary judgment: what they are and what do they do
In order to fully grasp motions for summary judgment, […]
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Determining the Settlement Value of Your Accident Case
Figuring out how much your accident case is worth
After suffering injuries from a car, truck, SUV, bus, or pedestrian crash, your life may be very different. While some accident victims can go back to their jobs, many are temporarily or permanently unable to work. Other victims require additional surgeries, rehabs, or treatments. Likewise, some suffer permanent disabilities that will require ongoing treatment for the rest of their lives. Undoubtedly, the pain and suffering that follows a catastrophic crash takes its toll on both the accident victim and their loved ones. Even the simplest tasks and every day chores can suddenly feel overwhelming. Moreover, the costs of all of these changes are often astronomical. Between medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, equipment and home modifications, and replacement services, the bills quickly stack up.
Luckily, there is a way to get some financial help. Filing a claim against the responsible actors can get you compensation to cover these expenses. […]
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